Detoxification is a process in the body, through which potentially toxic substances are removed from the body. The ideal time to go for diet cleansing is the cusp between the spring and winter season, so that the toxins deposited over the long period of cold winter can be eliminated. Ayurveda has various cures for detoxification processes in the liver.
An ideal Ayurvedic cleansing program requires a 15 days prior preparation and 45 days of complete cleansing process. According to Ayurveda physicians, special attention should be paid to diets during the detoxification processes.
Before one goes for detox, following points should be kept in mind:
- Any food that can create toxins should be avoided.
- Freshly prepared food should be eaten.
- Foods prepared with pungent therapy by using spices and ginger should be eaten.
- Foods according to a person’s body type should be eaten.
- Plenty of fluids should be taken.
- Some physical exercises should be performed daily.
- Do not skip meals and eat slowly.
Detox Diet in Ayurveda
Ayurveda recommends to properly follow the following points while going for detox diet:
Ama producing foods should be avoided –
- Incomplete digestion of foods leads to build up of ama in the body, which is a toxic material. It clogs the channels of the body.
- According to this, packaged, processed, frozen and canned foods should be avoided.
- Genetically modified and non- organic foods should be avoided.
- Foods grown with the use of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides should be avoided as they induce toxins in the body.
- Dairy products such as yogurt or cheese should be avoided.
- Oily, deep fried foods and refined foods should also be avoided.
Ama reducing foods should be eaten –
- Freshly cooked light, warm and easily digestible foods should be eaten.
- Some fruits that can be eaten for cleansing process are prunes, figs, pear, apple and juicy fruits.
- Leafy green vegetables should be cooked with detoxifying spices.
- Barley, quinoa and amaranth nutritious and light grains can be taken.
- Turmeric, ginger, fennel, coriander and fenugreek spices should be taken. These spices opens the clogged channels of the body and helps flush out toxins from the body through skin, liver, colon and urinary tract.
- Apart from the above described foods, plenty of water should be taken. Detoxyfying herbal teas also works to remove toxins from the body.
After completing the detox process for 45 days, heavier foods should be introduced slowly and gradually.
